PHYSICAL SCIENCES

CHEMISTRY
GRADE 12

TERM 3
LEARNERS’ SUPPORT MATERIAL
CONSOLIDATION
ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMPILED BY:
G. IZQUIERDO RODRIGUEZ
2024
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Copyright reserved
 SUMMARY ON ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTIONS

During a redox reaction electrons are transferred from the substance which is oxidized
to the substance which is reduced.

We can define oxidation in terms of electron transferred or in terms of oxidation number:

Oxidation is the loss of electrons (e-) by a molecule, atom or ion.

Oxidation occurs when the oxidation number of an atom increases.

We can also define reduction in terms of electrons transferred or in terms of oxidation number:

Reduction is the gain of electrons (e-) by a molecule, atom or ion.

Reduction occurs when the oxidation number of an atom decreases.

We can represent the oxidation or reduction using half reactions:

A half reaction is either the oxidation or reduction reaction part of a redox reaction.

Oxidation and reduction always take place simultaneously one cannot occur without the other.

Reducing agent is the substance that causes another to be reduced (substance that is
been oxidised).
Oxidation agent is the substance that causes another to be oxidised (substance that is
been reduced).
An electrochemical reaction is one where either a chemical reaction produces an
external voltage, or where an external voltage causes a chemical reaction to take place.

Device that is used to

generate electricity
or one that is used to
Electrochemical cell
make chemical
reactions possible by
applying electricity

Galvanic cell Electrolytic cell

Cells in which chemical energy Type of cell that uses electricity

is converted into electrical to drive a non-spontaneous
energy, spontaneous chemical reaction
reactions drive the cell.

A galvanic cell has a number of components. It consists of two electrodes, each of

which is placed in a separate beaker in an electrolyte solution. The two electrolytes are

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connected by a salt bridge. The electrodes are connected two each other by an external
circuit wire. (Fig. 1).

Salt breach
C
a
A t
n h
o o
d d
e e
Electrolyte Electrolyte

Figure 1

One of the electrodes is the anode, where oxidation takes place. The cathode is the
electrode where reduction takes place.
In a galvanic cell, the build-up of electrons at the anode sets up a potential difference
between the two electrodes, and this causes a current to flow in the external circuit.

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 Electrical conductor
Electrode that is used to make
contact with a metallic
part of a circuit.

Anode Cathode

Oxidation takes place Reduction takes place

Negative electrode Positive electrode

Flow of electrons

The standard notation for a galvanic cell is as follows:

X(s)|X+(aq) (1 mol.dm-3 ) ||Y+(aq) (1 mol.dm-3)|Y(s)

Different metals have different reaction potentials. The reaction potential of metals (in
other words, their ability to ionise), is recorded in a standard table of electrode potential.
The more negative the value, the greater the tendency of the metal to be oxidised. The
more positive the value, the greater the tendency of the metal to be reduced.
The values on the standard table of electrode potentials are measured relative to the
standard hydrogen electrode.
The emf of a cell can be calculated using one of the following equations:

E0 (cell) = E0 (right) - E0 (left)

E0(cell) = E0 (reduction half reaction) - E0 (oxidation half reaction)

E0(cell) = E0 (oxidising agent) - E0 (reducing agent)

E0(cell) = E0 (cathode) - E0 (anode)

If E0(cell) is positive the reaction is spontaneous.

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 Electrolysis is the chemical process in which electrical energy is converted to chemical
energy OR the use of electrical energy to produce a chemical change.

Figure 1 below shows an electrolytic cell.

Anode + - Cathode

Electrolyte

Figure 1

The working of the electrolytic cell

The cell contains two unreactive electrodes (anode and cathode) of, for example,
graphite/carbon or platinum (which will therefore not react with the electrolyte or the products
of electrolysis).

 The electrodes carry electrical current in and out of the electrolyte.

 The positive electrode (anode) (connected to + terminal of battery) attracts the negative
ions (anions) oxidation takes place; e- are donated by the anions to the electrode e-
move via the external circuit to the cathode
 The negative electrode (cathode) (connected to - terminal of the battery): attracts the
positive ions (cations) the excess e- on the cathode are transferred to the cations;
reduction takes place
 The positive and negative ions carry current in the electrolyte
 Electrical energy is converted to chemical energy.

Applications of electrolysis

1. Electroplating
Electroplating is the process by which a metal object is coated with another metal
to improve its appearance, to protect it or to give it other useful qualities.

Method:

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 The object that has to be coated is the cathode (it is connected to the negative
terminal of the battery).
The anode (connected to the + terminal) consists of the metal (X) with which you
want to coat the object, e.g. silver or copper.
The electrolyte is a solution of a compound of X (metal salt containing X ions).

2. The purifying/refining of copper.

Impure metals such as copper can be purified by the process of electrolysis. The
process is also known as electrorefining. Impurities such as silver, iron and zinc
prevent copper from performing well in its role as a conductor, e.g. in electric cables.
The anode: the impure copper
The cathode: a pure copper sheet
Electrolyte: acidified copper sulphate solution

3. The extraction of aluminium from bauxite

Aluminium is used in many ways in industry, but aluminium does not occur as a free
metal. It is removed at great expense from its ore (bauxite) by means of electrolysis.
The bauxite ore contains aluminium oxide/alumina (A0203), which is melted and
broken down into Aa and O2 by electrolysis.

4. The preparation of chemicals

The electrolysis of a concentrated solution of sodium chloride is used in the chlor-alkali
industry to form the products CO2(g), H2(g) and NaOH. All three of these products
have important uses.

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 QUESTION 1: MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Four options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question
has only ONE correct answer. Choose the answer and write only the letter (A–D) next to
the question number (1.1–1.10) in the ANSWER BOOK, for example 1.11 D.

1.1 The following half-reactions take place in a galvanic cell:

Co3+ + e- ⇌ Co2+
Aℓ3++ 3e- ⇌ Aℓ
Which ONE of the following is the cell notation for this cell?

A Aℓ ∣ Aℓ3+ ∥ Co3+, Co2+

Aℓ ∣ Aℓ3+ ∥ Co3+, Co2+ ∣ Pt
B
Aℓ ∣ Aℓ3+ ∥ Co2+, Co3+ ∣ Pt
C
Pt ∣ Co2+ , Co3+ ∥ Aℓ3+ ∣ Aℓ
D (2)

1.2 When an atom changes to a positive ion, it:

A loses electrons and is reduced
B gain electrons and is reduced
C verloor dit elektrone en word geoksideer
D loses protons and is oxidised (2)

1.3 In a galvanic (voltaic) cell, electrons move from the ...

A anode to the cathode through the salt bridge.

B cathode to the anode through the salt bridge.

C anode to the cathode in the external circuit.

D cathode to the anode in the external circuit. (2)

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1.4 Consider the following net reaction for a galvanic cell:

3Cu2+ + 2Aℓ → 3Cu + 2Aℓ3+

The cathode for the above galvanic cell is …

A Cu2+

B Cu

C Aℓ

D Aℓ3+ (2)

1.5 Which ONE of the following represents the oxidation half reaction in the
electrolysis of concentrated molten sodium chloride?

A Na → Na+ + e-

B 2Cℓ- → Cℓ2 + 2e-

C 2H2O + O2 + 4e- → 4OH-

D 4OH- → 2H2O + O2 + 4e- (2)

[10]

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QUESTION 2
The diagram below represents an electrochemical cell under standard conditions. A
suitable bulb in the external circuit glows brightly.

Ni Ag

Ni2+(aq) Ag+(aq)

2.1 Which type of electrochemical cell is represented? Only write down

ELECTROLYTIC or GALVANIC. (1)

2.2 Write down TWO standard conditions applicable to this cell. (2)

2.3 In which direction do electrons flow in the external circuit? Only write down
‘from Ni to Ag’ or ‘from Ag to Ni’.

Refer to the relative strengths of reducing agents present to explain the

answer. (3)

2.4 Write down the cell (symbolic) notation for this cell. (3)

2.5 Which electrode will experience an increase in mass while the cell is
functioning? (1)

2.6 Calculate the initial emf of this cell. (4)

[14]

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QUESTION 3
The galvanic cell represented in the diagram below consists of a Mg electrode dipped
into a Mg(NO3)2 solution, and a Pb electrode dipped into a Pb(NO 3)2 solution. Assume
that the cell operates under standard conditions.

3.1 State TWO standard conditions under which

e- this cell operates. (2)
V
3.2 Write down the half-reaction that takes place in half-cell A. (2)

3.3 Write down the cell notation for this cell. (3)

3.4 Calculate the emf of this cell. (4)

Half-cell A Half-cell B
3.5 How will each of the following changes influence the value of the cell's emf
calculated in QUESTION 3.4? Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES
or REMAINS THE SAME.

3.5.1 An increase in [Mg2+(aq)] (1)

3.5.2 An increase in [Pb2+(aq)] (1)

3.6 In which direction, from half-cell A to B or from half-cell B to A, do cations

move within the salt bridge to maintain electrical neutrality? Explain how you
arrived at your answer. (4)
[17]

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QUESTION 4
The diagrams below represent two types of electrochemical cells. The electrodes of
Cell A are labelled P and Q, and the electrodes of Cell B are labelled R and T.

P
+ - Q R + - T

Cell A Cell B

4.1 Use the labels P, Q, R or T to identify the anode in:

4.1.1 Cell A (1)

4.1.2 Cell B (1)

4.2 Cell A represents the type of cell that can be used to plate an iron coin with
nickel.

4.2.1 Write down the formula of the ION that can be used as oxidising
agent in this cell. (1)

4.2.2 Which electrode, P or Q, should consist of the iron coin? Write down
the relevant half-reaction that will occur at this electrode. (3)

4.2.3 The concentration of the electrolyte does not change during this
process. Explain how this is possible. (2)

4.2.4 Apart from it looking attractive, what is the advantage of

electroplating iron? (1)

4.3 An A/A3+ and a Ag+/Ag half-cell is used to construct Cell B. A reading is

noted on the voltmeter.

4.3.1 State the energy conversion that occurs in this cell. (2)

4.3.2 Write down a balanced equation for the overall (or net) cell reaction
taking place in this cell. (3)

4.3.3 Calculate the EMF of this cell at standard conditions. (4)

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 4.3.4 Distilled water is added to the Ag+ solution. How will the EMF of the
cell be affected? Write only INCREASES, DECREASES or
REMAINS THE SAME. (1)

4.3.5 In which direction will electrons flow in the external circuit? Write only
'from A to Ag' or 'from Ag to A'. (1)
[20]
QUESTION 5

The cell notation of a standard galvanic (voltaic) cell containing an unknown metal
electrode X is shown below.
X(s) | X3+(1 mol∙dm-3) || Pb2+(1 mol∙dm-3) | Pb(s)

5.1 Name the component of the cell represented by the double vertical lines (||) in
the above cell notation. (1)

5.2 State the TWO standard conditions that are applicable to the Pb2+|Pb half-cell. (2)

5.3 Identify the oxidising agent in the above cell. (1)

5.4 The initial reading on a voltmeter connected across the electrodes of the
above cell is 1,53 V. Identify metal X by calculating the standard reduction
potential of the unknown metal X. (5)

5.5 Write down the balanced equation for the net (overall) reaction taking place in
this cell. Omit the spectator ions. (3)
5.6 How will the initial voltmeter reading be affected if the concentration of the
electrolyte in the X(s)|X3+(aq) half-cell is increased? Write down only
INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE SAME. (2)

5.7 Write down the value of the reading on the voltmeter when the cell reaction
has reached equilibrium. (2)
[16]

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QUESTION 6

6.1 A strip of aluminium is placed in a beaker containing a blue solution of a

copper(II) salt. After a while the solution becomes colourless.

Thermometer

Cu2+(aq)

Aℓ

6.1.1 How would the reading on the thermometer change as the reaction
proceeds? Write down INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS
THE SAME. Give a reason for the answer. (2)

6.1.2 Refer to the reducing ability of aluminium to explain why the

solution becomes colourless. (2)

6.1.3 Write down the balanced net IONIC equation for the reaction that
takes place. (3)
6.2 The electrochemical cell shown below functions at standard conditions.
V

Cu salt bridge Aℓ

Cu2+(aq) Aℓ3+(aq)

6.2.1 Which electrode (Cu or Aℓ) is the anode? (1)

6.2.2 Write down the cell notation for this cell. (3)

6.2.3 Calculate the emf of this cell. (4)

The salt bridge is now removed.

6.2.4 What will the reading on the voltmeter be? Give a reason for your
answer. (2)
[17]

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QUESTION 7
7 .1 Consider the following half reaction involving oxalic acid solution.
2CO2 + 2H+ + 2e- ⇌ H2C2O4 Eθ = -0,49 V
A solution of potassium dichromate (K 2Cr2O7 (aq)) is added to an oxalic acid
(H2C2O4 (aq)) solution.

7.1.1 Explain why the reaction between the solution of oxalic acid and
potassium dichromate will be spontaneous. Refer to the relative
strengths of the oxidising and reducing agents in your answer. (3)

7 .1.2 Use half-reactions to write down a balanced equation for the

reaction between oxalic acid and potassium dichromate. Leave the
answer in ionic form without spectator ions. (4)

7 .2 A learner sets up a standard electrochemical cell using the following halfcells:

Pt(s)/O2(g)/H+ (aq), H2O2(aq) and Cu2+(aq)/Cu(s)
Potassium chloride (KCℓ (aq)) solution is used in the salt bridge.

7 .2.1 Which half cell (A or B) contains the cathode? (2)

7 .2.2 Write down the oxidation half-reaction. (2)
7 .2.3 Write down the cell notation for this cell. (3)
7.2.4 Calculate the potential difference of the cell (Eᶱcell). (4)

7 .2.5 After several days, the reading on the voltmeter is 0,00 V. Explain
why this reading is obtained. (4)
[22]

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QUESTION 8

The diagram below represents a cell that can be used to electroplate a tin medal with a
thin layer of silver to improve its appearance.

battery
S

medal

8.1 Which one of P or the MEDAL is the anode in this cell? (1)

8.2 Write down the following:

8.2.1 NAME or SYMBOL of the element of which electrode P is composed (1)

8.2.2 NAME or FORMULA of the electrolyte that has to be used to achieve

the desired results (1)

8.3 Switch S is now closed. Write down the visible changes that will occur at the
following:

8.3.1 Electrode P (1)

8.3.2 The medal (1)

8.4 Write down the equation for the half-reaction to support the answer to
QUESTION 8.3.2. (2)

8.5 How will the concentration of the electrolyte change during the electroplating
process? Write down only INCREASES, DECREASES or REMAINS THE
SAME. (1)

8.6 You want to coat the medal with copper instead of silver. State TWO changes
that you will make to the above cell to obtain a medal coated with copper. (2)
[10]

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QUESTION 9

The simplified diagram below shows an electrolytic cell used at an electroplating

company to coat iron spoons with silver.
DC power source

Electrode Y Electrolyte X Iron spoons

9.1 Write down the energy conversion that takes place in this cell. (1)

9.2 Direct current (DC) is used in this process. Give a reason why alternating
current (AC) is NOT used. (1)

9.3 Which type of reaction (OXIDATION or REDUCTION) takes place at the

spoons? (1)

9.4 Write down the:

9.4.1 Equation for the half-reaction that takes place at electrode Y (2)

9.4.2 NAME or FORMULA of electrolyte X (1)

9.5 Give a reason why the concentration of electrolyte X remains constant during
electroplating. (2)

9.6 Apart from the income generated, write down ONE major reason why the
company electroplates the spoons. (1)

9.7 Write down the TWO major expenses for the company during the process. (2)
[11]

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QUESTION 10

Industrially, chlorine gas is produced by the electrolysis of brine. In addition to chlorine

gas, hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide are also produced.

C2 (g) H2 (g)
Membrane

Brine Water

Used salt solution NaOH(aq)

+ _
10.1 Write down the equation for the half-reaction that takes place at the cathode. (2)

10.2 Write the balanced overall (net) cell reaction, omitting spectator ions, for this
cell. (3)

10.3 State TWO functions of the membrane in the above cell. (2)

10.4 Use the relative strengths of oxidising agents present in a brine solution to
explain why sodium metal is NOT one of the products in this process. (2)

10.5 Name ONE negative impact of chlorine on humans. (1)

[10]

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QUESTION 11

The simplified diagram below represents the cell used in the industrial extraction of
aluminium.

─ ─
Negative electrode
+ + Positive electrode

Electrolyte
(aluminium compound dissolved in cryolite)

Molten aluminium

11.1 Write down the NAME or FORMULA of the aluminium compound used as
electrolyte. (1)

11.2 Give a reason why:

11.2.1 The electrolyte must be molten for the process to work (1)

11.2.2 Cryolite is added to the electrolyte (1)

11.3 To which electrode do the aluminium ions move during electrolysis?

Only write down POSITIVE or NEGATIVE.
Explain the answer. (2)

11.4 Write down the half-reaction that takes place at the cathode. (2)

11.5 The carbon anodes must be replaced from time to time.

Write down a balanced equation to explain this statement. (3)

11.6 Write down TWO negative impacts of the above process on the environment. (4)
[14]

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QUESTION 12

Copper is a good conductor of electricity when it is almost 100% pure. Small amounts
of impurities cut down conductivity quite noticeably. Impure copper is rich in precious
metals. To ensure a high level of purity, newly extracted copper is purified by
electrolysis.
The diagram below shows an electrolytic cell used for the purification of copper.

A B

12.1 Electrode B consists of impure copper. What is the polarity of electrode B

when the cell is in operation? Write only POSITIVE or NEGATIVE. (1)

12.2 Give a reason for your answer to QUESTION 12.1. (2)

12.3 Write down the half reaction that will take place at electrode A. (2)

12.4 In which direction will electrons flow in the external circuit? Write only from A
to B OR from B to A. (1)

12.5 Substance C is a by-product that forms during the above electrolysis. Why is
substance C of economic importance? (1)
[7]

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QUESTION 13

The electrochemical cell represented below is made up of a standard PbІPb2+

half-cell and a standard unknown half-cell. The unknown half-cell consists of a
metal electrode, X, dipped into a solution of a salt of the metal.

13.1 Which electrode (Pb or X) is the anode? (1)

13.2 Identify electrode X with the aid of a calculation. (5)

13.3 The Pb І Pb2+ half-cell is now replaced with a standard AgІAg+ electrode.

13.3.1 How will the initial cell potential of this cell compare to that of the above cell?
Write down HIGHER THAN LOWER THAN or EQUAL TO. Explain the
answer by comparing the relative strengths of the oxidising agents. (2)

13.3.2 Write down the cell notation for this cell. (3)

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The simplified diagram below represents an electrochemical cell used for the
electrolysis of a concentrated sodium chloride solution.

13.4 Is the above cell a GALVANIC or an ELECTROLYTIC cell? (1)

13.5 Chlorine gas is released at electrode Q. Write down the:

13.5.1 Electrode (P or Q) at which reduction takes place (1)

13.5.2 Half-reaction that takes place at electrode P. (2)

13.5.3 Direction (P TO Q or Q TO P) in which electrons flow in the

external circuit (1)

13.5.4 NAME of the species that acts as reducing agent (1)

13.6 Write down the balanced net (overall) cell reaction taking place in this cell. (3)
[20]

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QUESTION 14 (DBE/November 2023)
A cleaned pure copper strip, Cu(s), is placed in a beaker containing a colourless silver
nitrate solution, AgNO3(aq), at 25 °C, as shown below.

After a while, it is observed that the solution in the beaker becomes blue.

14.1 Write down:

14.1.1 ONE other OBSERVABLE change, besides the solution turning blue (1)
14.1.2 The NAME or FORMULA of the oxidising agent (1)
14.2 Explain the answer to QUESTION 14.1.1 by referring to the relative strengths
of the oxidising agents or reducing agents. (3)
A galvanic cell is now set up using Cu and Ag strips as electrodes. A simplified diagram
of the cell is shown below.

14.3 Write down the:

14.3.1 NAME or FORMULA of electrode A (1)
14.3.2 NAME or FORMULA of solution B (1)
14.3.3 Overall (net) balanced equation for the cell reaction (3)
14.4 The salt bridge contains potassium nitrate, KNO3(aq).
Write down the FORMULA of the ion in the salt bridge that will move into the
-
silver ion solution. Choose from K+ (aq) or NO 3 (aq).
Give a reason for the answer. (2)
[12]

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QUESTION 15 (DBE/November 2023)
An electrolytic cell is set up to purify a piece of copper that contains silver and zinc as
impurities. A simplified diagram of the cell is shown below. Electrode R is impure copper.

15.1 Define the term electrolysis. (2)

15.2 Write down the reaction taking place at electrode Q. (2)
15.3 In which direction do the electrons flow in the external circuit? Choose from
Q to R or R to Q.
(1)
15.4 Calculate the current needed to form 16 g of copper when the cell operates
for five hours.
(5)
15.5 During this electrolysis, only copper and zinc are oxidised.
Give a reason why the silver is not oxidised. (2)
[12]

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